By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
North Hatley’s monthly Municipal Council meeting was held Aug. 7, and involved a lively conversation regarding a proposed change to the bike route from the end of the Massawippi Trail at the dam to the center of town. The Record sat in to see what was on the docket and get an idea of the pressing issues facing the town according to its governing body and participating citizens.
The doors to the hall were opened promptly at 7 p.m. and the meeting was officially started soon thereafter. Around 20 local citizens attended.
A brief summary of salient upcoming events was given, including details on North Hatley’s upcoming 125th anniversary celebration on Aug. 12, at which some prominent citizens will be acknowledged; the planned large garbage pickup in October; that the boat washing station will remain temporarily at the wharf because passage under the bridge is difficult due to the high water level; and mention of the upcoming Aug. 19 garage sale for the local curling club.
One citizen asked about the town’s planned use of fireworks for its 125th anniversary celebration, mentioning cost and pollution concerns. Mayor Marcella Davis-Gerrish explained that the fireworks for the event, which were initially meant for the town’s Canada Day celebration, were, in fact, cancelled for those very reasons. The town is looking into the possibility of different options for future celebrations, like drone shows, although those are also quite expensive.
The town council then approved a motion to change the zoning of the garage building beside the marina to allow for a brasserie to be put there.
In the most contentious motion of the night, it was proposed that the bike route from the end of the Massawippi Trail to the center of town should be moved off Capelton Road and onto a route across the river involving Ch. de la Rivière, for primarily reasons of motorist and cyclist safety. The proposition was voted 4-2 against.
